# Foldable phones **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 8, 2023, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886 "2023-03-08T18:55:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2023, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/1 "2023-03-08T18:55:55Z")
This has been one of the trends of the last few years and around a month back I jumped in purchasing a Galaxy Fold 3. I was curious as to whether anyone else has a foldable and what people think of the whole category. Overall I like the phone a lot though it does have its limitations. Obviously it’s rather large and I have added a fairly large case along with a digital pen. Somewhat to my surprise I have gotten used to the bulk and carry it in my shirt pocket which I didn’t expect to do. These phone are also rather expensive though I managed to get a decent price for the Fold 3 which is more than a year old. The upside is the huge inner screen which is a delight for most content consumption which is my chief use . In particular it’s absolutely fantastic for any kind of web reading which is my number one use. There is a crease through the middle which is sometimes visible though it often disappears especially when viewing the phone head on. It’s a nuisance but mostly I have gotten used to it. The camera is decent enough though not on par with the best smartphone flagships. However using the large screen as a viewfinder is great and it’s also great to view your photos on. These are the first portable devices ever created where you can take decent photos and view them instantly on a decently sized screen. I am still a bit worried about the long-term durability of the folding hinge but overall I don’t think I can go back to a “normal” phone after getting used to the big screen. I look at my old phone with a 6.3 inch screen, once considered huge and it now feels almost tiny. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/2 "2023-03-08T20:14:30Z")
They are definitely cool. Just not for me. I keep my phone silent on my desk at work so I don’t disturb my coworkers. I need my screen visible at all times so I know when somebody’s texted me or called. I don’t think I would use the folding feature enough to justify the cost of the phone. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2023, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/3 "2023-03-08T20:48:34Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > I need my screen visible at all times so I know when somebody’s texted me or called. The Fold phones and other similar ones have an outer screen of normal size which you can like a regular phone. You are probably thinking of the “flip” form factor where the outer screen is much smaller and with limited functions. This link shows the two kinds of phones: > **[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: What's same and different in...](https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-vs-galaxy-z-flip-3-whats-same-and-different-in-samsungs-new-foldable-phones/photolist/85268288.cms)** > > Samsung has announced two new smartphones: Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. The two smartphones add to the company's foldable lineup that has phones with a display that can fold and bend. While it's not official, the company may have killed its... Personally I don’t find the flip phones particularly compelling but many do like them. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/4 "2023-03-09T12:03:00Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > They are definitely cool. Just not for me. Same. I use my phone for phone calls (yes I’m weird) and texting. I do read on it say in waiting rooms, but otherwise have no need for more screen. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/5 "2023-03-09T12:18:14Z")
I do NOT like Android, but I think the Samsung Galaxy phones are top notch. I searched yours, and it looks elegant. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/6 "2023-03-09T16:26:51Z")
What I’d like to know, is the screen going to look like a convertible top window after a while, with a fading crease down the middle? Or does the tech work? Or am I missing something, like no one keeps their phone more than 6 months? ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/7 "2023-03-09T16:45:22Z")
These devices have been around for more than 3 years now and sold millions. I have read some complaints of screens breaking in the folded area after 1-2 years but I don’t get the sense this is very common. Still it’s something I do worry about and I will just have to wait and see how my device fares. > **[Galaxy Fold lasted for 120,000 folds](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/galaxy-fold-lasted-for-120000-folds-in-cnets-livestreamed-test/)** > > CNET livestreamed the stress test on YouTube. CNET did a test a few years back with the original Fold and it lasted for 120000 folds which would be around 3 years of use. The newer models probably have better, more durable designs. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/8 "2023-03-12T20:57:42Z")
Personally, I don’t think it seems very practical, but damn, the materials engineering behind it is impressive. Who knew that glass could do that? ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/9 "2023-05-05T08:45:28Z")
> **[Google officially reveals the Pixel Fold | Engadget](https://www.engadget.com/google-officially-reveals-the-pixel-fold-174726500.html)** > > Google has officially announced the Pixel Fold, its first foldable phone. The Pixel Fold is about to be launched soon which will add some welcome competition to the category. From the leaks it appears it will have a shorter, wider front screen compared to the Galaxy Fold which should be more comfortable while closed. It will be interesting to see how good the camera is with Google’s computational magic. However I don’t know if it will have pen support which is a must-have feature for me. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/10 "2023-05-05T13:19:47Z")
Reading thru the thread I’m thinking I’m going to post about the just announced Pixel Fold, not realizing it was an older thread (at what age do they become zombies?) & that is why @Lantern2 posted. I’ll also add in case you didn’t click on the link that reports state that the Pixel Fold will start at $1,700. As someone who’s phone literally died in my hand (they _think_ it might be the motherboard but I’m not spending $250…& maybe more to find out) the other day & am waiting for a new phone to come in I gotta say $1700 is a hard no for me. While they might be durable for what they do, they’re not that relatively long lasting. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/11 "2023-05-05T17:28:33Z")
No question that it is a lot to pay for a phone. Though the Fold3 is available for much less especially on sale; I got mine for around 1100 which is still more than I would normally pay for a phone but within my tolerance limit and so far I am happy with it. In principle there is no reason why the premium on these phones should be more than $200 above a comparable smartphone and you can get excellent Android phones for around 400. So in a few years once the Chinese handset makers have entered this segement in a big way there should be decent foldables for well under 1000 and that is when they will start to become more popular. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/12 "2023-05-05T17:45:31Z")
> [@Lantern2](#): > > In principle there is no reason why the premium on these phones should be more than $200 It’s easy to vastly underestimate the costs. At the very least, a foldable has: 1. Foldable display that survives drops 2. An extra new display on the outside 3. A hinge mechanism that doesn’t crease the display and can be opened and closed hundreds of thousands of times 4. High bandwidth busses that connect the bottom to the top (or left and right) ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/13 "2023-05-05T18:00:17Z")
I think these four things could fit under 200 especially with economies of scale and learning by doing. Smartphone components aren’t _that_ expensive for manufacturers. For example a high-end display might cost $80 and you can get an OK display for half of that. My point still stands if the premium is 300. Say a good mid-end phone costs 500 there is no reason why you couldn’t sell a decent foldable for 800 and that would be an attractive price point for many users. It may take a few years to get there but I think it will happen. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/14 "2023-05-05T18:08:22Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Or am I missing something, like no one keeps their phone more than 6 months? It seemed that way for a while, and I attribute that to two reasons. First, they weren’t nearly as expensive as they are now. I know I paid twice as much for my iPhone 11 pro Max than I did for my iPhone 7. Second, I don’t think the advancements are nearly as dramatic as they used to be, at least not in the areas in which I’m interested. I’ve had my current phone for 5 years now, and it’s still working like a champ, and it still does everything that I want or am interested in. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/15 "2023-05-05T22:06:22Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Or am I missing something, like no one keeps their phone more than 6 months? I happened to Google this question recently. From a few sources, the average upgrade time is 2.5 years and climbing slightly. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/16 "2023-05-05T22:18:09Z")
> [@Lantern2](#): > > I think these four things could fit under 200 especially with economies of scale and learning by doing. The prices will keep coming down, but they aren’t there yet. The number of foldable units sold still needs to increase to bring the costs down. Couple that with the fact that foldable technology is still improving and requires fixed, up-front investment. There’s only a handful of display manufacturers and only a subset can do foldable. The other thing to keep in mind is that the material costs are the starting point and many of the other costs are multipliers of the material costs – conversion costs, warranties, retail markup, etc. Your $80 display doesn’t bump the phone price by just that much. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2023, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/17 "2023-05-10T19:58:34Z")
A bunch of Pixel Fold [previews](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtdb2y1DQn8) have dropped on Youtube and overall it seems to be a very solid device. I like the aspect ratio which makes the front screen more usable than the Galaxy Folds and Google seems to have added some nifty software features too. There is a 5X zoom which should help make this the best ever camera on a foldable. On the negative side it does cost 1800 and it will be competing with the Galaxy Fold 3 at much lower prices and the Fold 4 should also get some strong discounts soon. And no mention of any pen support which is something that works really well on the bigger foldable screens. Overall the Pixel fold is probably good enough to push the category forward even if it doesn’t sell too many units. And that’s good because I think foldables are the most interesting trend in smartphones and indeed all of electronics right now. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2023, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/18 "2023-05-11T08:14:57Z")
I would like a folding phone, but not one with a _folding screen._ I just don’t believe it would be durable enough in the long term. Not just the fold resistance, but the scratch resistance of the screen itself. I’d rather just have a phone that has two tough glass screens that fold open like the pages of a book - like the Microsoft Surface Duo Phone (but with decent hardware spec instead please). Maybe a little OLED screen on the outside for notifications, clock, etc. A regular-to-large smartphone screen is plenty enough for me for video media consumption, so I would never really feel the need to use the two screens as one for media consumption, but there are plenty of situations where I might want a video playing on one screen while I peruse the comments, or something else, on the other screen, or where I might prop it up like a tiny laptop in order to have the touch keyboard on one part and the whole of the other screen dedicated to the document I’m interacting with, or composing something in one screen while I go looking for links and stuff in the other, etc. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2023, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/19 "2023-05-11T14:01:03Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > I would like a folding phone, but not one with a _folding screen._ LG had a few phone models like this a couple of years ago before they exited the business. I think there aren’t enough customers that want that form factor to make it work. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886/20 "2023-05-11T14:53:53Z")
Further corroborated by Microsoft trying to make a go of it. They are disaster artists in the mobile gadget space. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foldable-phones/980886.md?page=2)